Gingerbread Pecans (Sugar-Free)

December 13, 2015

Pecans roasting on an open fire… and toasted to perfection! These roasted nuts have a festive twist and provide plenty of nourishment. Nuts are packed with omega 3s which reduce inflammation and keep our hearts healthy. Specifically, one study found that pecans may help lower levels of LDL cholesterol enough to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 25%. These spiced pecans are free of refined sugars and make a great snack on their own, or are lovely sprinkled on oatmeal or granola. Warning: may cause kitchen to smell like a bakery.

Spread out pecans in one layer on a baking sheet (I lined mine with parchment paper) and cook for 40-50 minutes.

PCOS Powers:

pecans = high in ellagic and oleic acids which may help lower LDL cholesterol, protect against cardiovascular disease and lower breast cancer risk, high in magnesium which is anti-inflammatory and lowers blood pressure

coconut oil = anti-inflammatory, may positively impact thyroid function, may improve cholesterol profiles by increasing HDL cholesterol, use is controversial in the scientific community due to high saturated fat content so I use in moderation

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Hi health-seekers and welcome! A bit about me: I'm a plant-based blogger, fitness lover, feminist, and full-time doctoral student living in Vancouver, Canada on unceded Coast Salish territory. As a research scientist, I study the effects of lifestyle (nutrition, exercise and mental health) on PCOS and women's reproductive health.

Thanks Laura 🙂 I agree! I think there are enough treats presented to me that are far from nutritious, sometimes in situations or times difficult to turn down, that if I am going to make something myself I want to feel great about it.

I’ve just bought a bag of pecans, and that’s how they’re going to be made! Plus, I have all the other ingredients, so… We like snacking on nuts, but never that fancy. Time to bring them to the next level ;-).

I’ve always wondered how I could toast pecans without burning them. Now I know! This should be something I would like to try, though I don’t have coconut oil. I don’t mind the kitchen smelling like the bakery though 😉 JanD

These look amazing! I’m always trying to find something unique to make for holiday gifts for the office and these look like they might do the trick. Package them in some cute little bags or boxes and I’m good to go! Thank you for the inspiration!

I’m not usually partial to nuts that have been spiced up this way. I find most are too sweet, and I don’t like the hard candy coating some develop. Your recipe sounds quite different. I’ll have to give it a try! I love ginger, so that’s a huge plus 🙂